Guidance

Waiting to return to the UK during coronavirus (COVID-19)

Guidance for British people who are currently travelling abroad and are unable to return home due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

From:
Foreign & Commonwealth Office and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Published
8 April 2020
Last updated
29 October 2020 — See all updates

Some countries may impose border closures and introduce local restrictions at short notice to help control the spread of COVID-19. You may find yourself in a location where you are currently unable to travel back to the UK.

This page provides guidance about how to stay safe and get the support you may need in the country you are in.

Checklist if you are waiting to return to the UK

If you cannot currently return to the UK:

  1. follow the advice of local authorities, including local restrictions to help minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19
  2. find accommodation that is suitable for your needs
  3. check your visa, if you have one for the country you’re in. If it is due to expire, visit our travel advice and read the coronavirus guidance
  4. contact your travel insurance provider to check your health cover
  5. read our travel advice of the country you’re in
  6. sign up to email alerts for the country where you are, so you are notified of any updates

If you need urgent consular help, contact your nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate.

Find suitable accommodation

You should contact your travel provider or travel agent to talk through accommodation options. You may also wish to contact your travel insurer to see if they can help. Our travel advice for the country you are in provides more information on your local situation.

If you have any concerns over your safety in your accommodation, speak to your insurers or travel provider to talk through your options. If you have been asked to leave, or have nowhere else to go, contact your local British Embassy, high commission or consulate. They may be able to offer advice on where to move to that would be a safer area to stay in.

In some countries one of our partners, The Salvation Army or another similar organisation, may also be able to provide some basic assistance if you are in need. Contact your local British Embassy, high commission or consulate for advice.

Healthcare support

Your health is important whilst you are away from home. For advice, visit our healthcare support guidance.

You can also read our guidance on wellbeing and mental health abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Financial support

If you need financial help when you are away from home, read our guidance on financial assistance abroad.

Staying connected with your friends and family

You should stay in touch with your family and friends if you are unable to return home, so that they know you are safe and well.

To help you stay connected you should:

  • check your phone plan on details for international calling, or consider buying a local SIM card
  • to keep in touch use online services like FaceTime, Skype, WhatsApp, or Zoom
  • follow your nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate on social media to stay up-to-date with the latest information for where you are
Published 8 April 2020
Last updated 29 October 2020 + show all updates

  1. Page updated with new 'financial assistance abroad' link

  2. Updated information on visas: for some countries, the FCO has negotiated to automatically extend visas if you cannot return

  3. First published.

Contents

Part of Travel abroad: step by step

  1. Step 1 Plan your trip

    1. Check foreign travel advice for the country you're travelling to or transiting through

    Find out what you need to do if you're travelling during coronavirus (COVID-19).

    1. Check the latest COVID-19 travel restrictions
    2. Complete the travel declaration form for international travel
    3. Check if you need a negative test result to enter your destination or if you need to quarantine upon arrival
    4. Get a COVID-19 test through a private provider in the UK, if you need one

    From 17 May, you'll need to follow different rules when travelling to England from abroad.

    1. What you need to do if you're travelling to England on or after 17 May: rules on red, amber and green list countries

    Find out what you need to do:

  2. Step 2 Get your passport, visas and permits ready

    How much time you need on your passport depends on the country you're visiting. Check the entry requirements for the country you want to travel to.

    1. Check your passport has enough time left on it for the country you're visiting
    2. Renew or replace your passport
    3. Get a passport for your child

    You may also need a visa to enter some countries.

    1. Check if you need a visa or permit

  3. Step 3 Get travel insurance and check if you need vaccinations or inoculations

    1. Get travel insurance
    2. Check what vaccinations or inoculations you may need

  4. Step 4 Travel safely and check for travel disruption

    1. Find out how to travel safely in the UK during coronavirus (COVID-19)
    2. Check guidance for safer air travel during COVID-19
    3. Check if there are travel disruptions because of COVID-19

  5. Step 5 Going through border control

    You may need to show paperwork such as your passport or visa, or a negative coronavirus test result at the point of entry.

    1. Check the entry requirements for the country you are travelling to or transiting through

  6. Step 6 When you are abroad

    1. Follow the local coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions

    Find out what to do if:

  7. Step 7 Return to the UK

    There are different coronavirus (COVID-19) rules if you're:

    1. Check if the country or territory you are travelling from is on the red (banned) list due to COVID-19

    Follow the correct quarantine process for England:

    1. Get a private test before you return to England (pre-departure test)
    2. Book a COVID-19 test if you want to reduce your quarantine period (‘Test to Release’)
    3. Complete a passenger locator form
    4. Follow the rules for entering the UK

    There will be different rules to follow from 17 May when travelling to England from abroad.

    1. What you need to do if you're travelling to England on or after 17 May: rules on red, amber and green list countries

    Check if you want to:

  8. and When you arrive in the UK

    1. Follow the latest coronavirus restrictions
    2. Declare goods and pay tax and duty to UK customs